Thursday, May 3, 2018

IRS Form 2290 pre-filing season is officially here and the regular filing season is on the horizon. So to help get you ready here are the ten things truckers need to know about IRS Form 2290.

Time and time again truckers filing their 2290 online tend to ask the same questions and make the same mistakes when it comes to their heavy vehicle use taxes. So let’s go over them, so they are fresh in your mind when you pre-file or e-file later this year.

1. Is my vehicle subject to the HVUT/Form 2290?

You are subject to HVUT/Form 2290 if you are registering a vehicle in your name as an owner-operator or self-employed driver, it weighs more than 55,000 pounds, and you are using it on public roads. The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax applies to both interstate and intrastate drivers.

2. If I am based in Canada or Mexico, does the HVUT apply?

Yes, if you drive your vehicle in the United States. You will need to file a 2290 Form 2018 and pay any owed taxes. You will also need to carry proof of tax compliance when entering the U.S. as well.

3. When is Form 2290 due in 2018?

IRS Form 2290 returns are due on the last day of the month following your vehicle’s first month of use during the reporting period. That means if your vehicle was on the road last July (2017) the deadline for filing is August 31, 2018.

If your vehicle goes into service during the reporting period, you will need to file an additional Form 2290, Schedule 1, and pay the tax amount. For example, if you purchased a vehicle in November 2018, you are required to put the vehicle in your name making its first month of use December. In this case, you will need to file an additional Form 2290, Schedule 1, and pay owed taxes on or before December 31, 2019. This is a partial year filing and will be a reduced tax amount.

4. Can I suspend my Heavy Vehicle Use Tax?

You can apply for a suspension of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax if you expect to drive your vehicle less than 5,000 miles during the year (7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles).

However, you are still required to file IRS Form 2290 even though you do not have a tax payment. If you do end up driving more than expected, you must file an amendment to your original 2290 and pay taxes.

5. Am I required to file my 2290 Form online?

Only if you have 25 or more qualified vehicles. If you do, the IRS does not require you to file 2290 online. However, the IRS highly encourages all taxpayers to file and pay online with an IRS-authorized e-file provider, like ExpressTruckTax. Hint hint…..

6. How can I claim a credit?

Now is the time for you to claim any credits you earned last year. The credits can be claimed using a couple of different methods.

If you ended up driving your vehicle less than 5,00 miles (or 7,500 for agricultural vehicles) you can claim a credit. Or if your vehicle was stolen or destroyed last year, you can claim a credit. For more information, I would visit the IRS website for the full list of situations.

7. Can I claim a refund on my IRS Form 2290?

Yes, if your credit exceeds your taxes owed on your 2018-2019 filing, you will need to file a refund. This can be done by filing IRS Form 8849, Claim for Refund Excise Taxes.

8. What do I need to register my vehicle?

Proof of your HVUT payment is required before you register your vehicles. You will not be registered unless you can provide your stamped Schedule 1.

9. How do I pay 2990 online?

When you file 2290 online with ExpressTruckTax, you can pay via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by check/money order.

10. Where can I find more information about IRS Form 2290?

You can check out our blog page for more information concerning pre-filing and the upcoming 2290 season. Check out our FAQ page which answers more questions you might have about Form 2290. Or you can find more information via the IRS publication “Instructions for Form 2290.”

We Got Your Back

We understand that we are coming up on a very stressful time for the trucking industry, but we will be there every step of the way. We will continue to supply you with up-to-date information about the IRS Form 2290 deadline.

ExpressTruckTax is a trusted IRS-authorized e-file provider with a simplified step-by-step filing process. We also offer 24/7 support in both English and Spanish to answer any of your questions.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

When did you first use your heavy vehicle during the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) period? If it was in January, then it is time to file Form 2290!

If this deadline has caught you off guard no need to fear, ExpressTruckTax is here to help you complete your forms in just a matter of minutes. But we go a step further by providing you with important Form 2290 information so you can drive right on through your e-filing experience. Check out these top HVUT deadline tips from the tax experts at ExpressTruckTax.

Was January Your First Used Month? Time to File Your 2290

So why are there so many deadlines for Form 2290? Well, your deadline for Form 2290 is based the first month you've used your heavy vehicle on public highways during the current tax period. This is important because you don’t have to pay for the months your truck wasn’t on the road.

Unlike the fiscal year, the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax runs from July 1st to June 20th of the following year, and you need to file by the last day of the month following your first used month. So that means that if you first used your truck back in January, it is time to file…… or face penalties.

So other than the fear of penalties why is Form 2290 so important? Because the taxes collected are used to repair, maintain, and build public roads. Once you file, you will get a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 as proof of filing and paying your HVUT taxes. You will actually need this form to renew your tags and to complete your International Registration Plan (IRP) return.

Fear the HVUT Penalties

If you fail to file by midnight tonight and you are required to do so, you will face expensive penalties. If that doesn’t strike fear into your heart, I am sure this will. The penalty rate for failing to file is a minimum of 4.5 % of the total tax due. This amount will accrue on a monthly basis for up to five months.

Plus, if your HVUT payment is late or is not paid in full, you will owe an additional penalty of 0.5% of the total amount owed. Oh and yeah there is an additional penalty of .54% too.

But wait it gets worst: If you don’t file you will not receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1, which is required by the DMV to operate your vehicle legally. Don’t get stuck in the pits by this deadline but take a caution lap getting ahead over the competition with ExpressTruckTax.

Keep on Truckin’ With ExpressTruckTax

Our e-filing system is streamlined for fast and easy use so we can get you back on the road fast. No complex IRS jargon just straightforward interview style questions. If you get stuck in a rut, don't worry we will give you push no need to get out of the truck! Our dedicated team of tax experts standing by.

When you file with us, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in as little as 15 minutes via email.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

As a trucker, you probably know that you have truck taxes to pay. From IRP, IFTA, Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes, and more. You probably also already know that if you miss a deadline you will have hefty penalties to face.

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we don’t want you to get penalized and we understand that your HVUT 2290 deadline can be confusing since it’s based on your first used month. That’s why we're here to clear things up with the proper HVUT Form 2290 facts. These facts will make you a truck tax expert like all of the incredibly skilled members on our support team.

HVUT 2290 Reminders

1. Your HUVT Form 2290 is due based on your first used month.

This ultimately means that your Form 2290 is due based on the month that you first use your truck. This is true for all drivers. They do not have to file Form 2290 until the last day of the month after the month that they first use their heavy vehicle on public highways.

For example, if you first use your truck in October then your Form 2290 is due by November 30. If you first use your truck in March then your Form 2290 is due by April 30. Therefore your 2290 can be due in a completely different month from when your friend’s is due.

It’s important to note that the deadline is based on the first used month during the tax period which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. The current HVUT Form 2290 tax period began on July 1, 2017 and will end on June 30.

Because most truckers first use their heavy vehicles in July, the first month of the tax period, most HVUT Form 2290s are due on August 31.

2. You could save money based on your vehicle type.

It’s true, some vehicles are subject to lower tax rates than others depending on what you drive. The different vehicle types include:

Agricultural: These are highway motor vehicles that are used or expected to be used for farming purposes primarily. They must be registered as agricultural vehicles and count as suspended or credit vehicles when used for less than 7,500 miles during the tax period.

Logging: Logging vehicles are used exclusively for hauling timber from or around harvested forest sites. They have to be registered as logging vehicles with your state and are subject to lower tax rates.

Suspended Vehicles: Suspended vehicles are vehicles that are expected to travel less than 5,000 miles during the tax period. (7,500 for agricultural vehicles). They’re also known as credit vehicles. Other examples of credit vehicles include vehicles that were lost, stolen, sold, or destroyed.

3. E-Filing With ExpressTruckTax is Best

We have streamlined the e-filing process to be quick and simple, no matter what month your HVUT Form 2290 is due. Our step-by-step e-filing guide will help you instantly complete your form and transmit it directly to the IRS. Then within about 15 minutes, you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Plus, our outstanding, US-based ExpressTruckTax support team is full of truck tax experts who are ready to assist you every step of the way. Give us a call Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM EST at 704.234.6005, reach us via live chat, or take advantage of our 24/7 email support at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Whoa, it’s time to get moving! Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 is due tomorrow, by August 31 at midnight. The deadline is here! That means you’re literally running out of time to file without facing major penalties.

We know this puts you in quite a state of urgency, but stay calm. You can file Form 2290 in a matter of minutes with ExpressTruckTax. Plus, to help you file even faster we have put together a list of frequently asked questions and provided the answers.

HVUT Form 2290 FAQs

1. What is my first use month?

Your first use month is literally the first month that you use your heavy vehicle during the tax period. The current HVUT period runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 and form 2290 is due based off of your first use month.

To be specific, it’s due by the last day of the month following your first use month. Because most truckers use their trucks in July, it’s their first use month and that makes August 31st their deadline day. However, if you don’t use your truck until October then your Form 2290 wouldn’t be due until the last day of November.

2. Can I pay the amount of HVUT I owe with a credit card?

Unfortunately, no. You can not pay the amount of HVUT you owe with a credit card because the IRS doesn’t accept credit cards.

One option is to pay with direct debit or electronic fund withdrawal, by authorizing the IRS to debit the amount you owe from your bank account. In order to do this, you will need to provide your bank account and routing number which can be found on one of your checks.

Or you can also pay with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, where you will create a free account with www.ettps.gov. The amount you owe will be debited from your bank account, but it could take up to 10 days to create your account.

You will need to schedule your payment within your account. You need to schedule at least by 8 PM the day before the deadline to give the IRS enough time to debit the funds from your account.

If you want to, you can mail the amount you owe directly to the IRS with a check or money order. Just print your completed 2290-V (your payment voucher) from page 11 of your completed 2290 form and mail it with your payment.

You only have 2 days left to file!

3. What is an EIN?

Your EIN is your Employer Identification Number, and it’s used to identify a business entity. To complete Form 2290 you need an EIN and can apply for one online with the IRS. If you already have an EIN it can be found on a previous stamped Schedule 1.

You can not use your Social Security Number in place of your EIN on HVUT Form 2290. If you use your SSN instead of your EIN your form will be rejected. If you need an EIN you better hop to it because it takes about 14 days for your EIN to become active in the IRS’s system and your form could get rejected during that time.

4. How Do I file?

It’s easy! Head to ExpressTruckTax.com and follow the step-by-step e-filing guide to complete your form in 5 minutes or less. As a result, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 within 15 minutes via email.

Are you out on a trip without access to a computer? Then download the ExpressTruckTax mobile app to your smartphone or tablet to file at any time, from any location. ExpresstruckTax is just as mobile as you are!

Or you could call TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to have a local, US-based representative file for you over the phone. It’s the quickest and most convenient way to file, all you have to do is answer a few questions to complete your Form 2290. After you finish filing a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 will be sent to your email.

We’re Here To Help

If you need any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated, US-based ExpressTruckTax support team. Give us a call Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST at 704.234.6005. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com. Extend hours of phone support will be offered around the deadline.